2016 Literary Magazine McKinley High School

2016 JEay Scal Lbuyiyajus 150Jears

2016 LITERARY MAGAZINE

Esperdy and Kingsley's (2012) Society of Architectural Historians Archipedia overview of McKinley High School, featured adescription of WBuilding, the language arts building. Once the Works Progress Administration (WPA) - financed Senior Core Building, it was constructedin1939 and sits off the corner of the quadrangle. Designed by Ossipoft, it presents a more modern and Island-oriented interpretation of Spanish forms, which compliments the original school core. The cast-stone transom panels by Margaurite Blasingame depict Hawaiian motifs and the in set, single-stacked lanailcorridors, which wrap around the makaisides of the pavilion plan, afford protection from trade wind-propelled showers and maximize classroom ventilation. The lanai's terra-cotta-trimmed railings depict taro, breadfruit, and papaya.

Photo: Andy Huang

Dedication

Dedicated ta the MeKinley High Schoal's Graduation Class of 2016, 1 presented in celelration of the ochoal's 15Cth anniuersa.

The 2016 MeKinley igh Schaol literay Magazine, conweys stude writing, ant, und photography threugh divexse expressions and mee. We wioh you all the beot of luch in your futwre endeaves.

-Michael atley

J feel like a tiger vight now. Shere'o nothing inpessibleif you get up au wonk for it."

Photo: David Garcia

Sophia

Sarah Kim

Kaiala Walter

Long Li Chen

0dran Reyes

Mahina Ansar

Ezekiel SamTe

Photo: Jacky Hua-Vo

Photo: Isaac Santo

Spring Seungjun Padk

Though cold wind afflicts me, though it is hard to move with my hands firezen up. thoughlmugly with chapped lips, Imok, spring comes.

Cool breeze tickles me warm sunshine melts myfrozen hands. Here comes a spring of empty streets, blazonedwith(seet blossoms. I'm just fine, cause the spring does come.

Photo: Daechol Kim

Hapa Jackie' Lam

Everyone stares at me, weird and creepily. Is it because I keep my diversity even when I sleep? People acting scared. When will I be spared?

The joy throughout life is nothing but delight. When I find someone like me, Ihope they will like me...

Open to culture, open to life, open to perspectives. Closed in light.

CteralTAehtity' Eaa Fong

Bi-cultural, kamindeed, But pre tudged, cant yousee

f only the word looked like me, No one would everbother me.

For-racism, diversty, and bonding, the re son we have cultual identity.

Being Asian Kovin Doan

You are Asian, youcant do this The expectations are too-high Your reputation is at risk

Always expected to be snnart ahd get good grades

Belittled when you get something other than Afs

Thebenefits are family is always with you Even when you are initrouble, they be there The bonds of blod are tried and true

There is alarge Asian community

They help make you (feel like one big-family

Photo: Lance Aginalae

LEGAL ALIEN Zijunkiu

Anew place

A new start

Arriving on thistrccdom/soil With nothing ihand

Avoiding gaz

That burns,fight thfough,m , Dodging onyesatio

For therejS nothingabutgibbefish

A new start/ Ir thirálien

eRsaching tomy own

Proud of being a Chinese Aehinese lvillbe/ il adapete'this.alien place,1

Because llam

LamjustaChinodNenhere

in thËs aljenplace

Coming here

aa néwstart

Adonot have to dwel! within

he past

Nor-do

Therevareplehty of families

Teaching me

Welcoming Me

Sharing the many ëlatabloexperience

Celebrating our festivl, not havetosteel different

Ido nÙt have to acept thisalien feeling

LBust, needto haveitaccept me

Photo: es eVu

heimoprtande of91

MMalbimaADsary

Qn Sundays March Gun wo:wentTidpassengers knew what was0 On 6ti, We t0 the 9/N Memorial Museum It was a ing.on-when-the planes Were hijacked so: tragic moment l never truly thoughtitthey gotneonitactctwitn friends,family, and had a massive ettect. I.thought.thissinhe cops Some.ofthe-passengers-orboth -cident-wasnotagreat deal. After going planes were trying to get tothe cockpit to to this museum, I realized it was not an save everyone. In the end, the terrorists cut accident and it was not a little deal. This off the oxygen, killing everyone, includíng was a depressing incident. Many people themselves. The first plane crashed into lost their lives from saving other people, the North Tower. Then, the second pane getting held as hostage, not knowing crashed into the South Tower. Many fire what's going on, and objects smashing fighters saved other people's lives and sac -them. There were two twin towers: The rificed theii own lives They were heroes, Norih and South towers, Two Amertean and they allreceived medasof honor. When atrplanes got hjacked. The two people the txtntowers got hit, they both colapsed who hijadked-he aipanes were tenOr nthe-whole city-of Lower Manhatan. Sep ists, followes of Osama Bin Laden., There tember 11th, 2001 willnever be forgoten

were manygasSenges on thptvpplanes.

geEUSG Many herote Americans diedsaving Most of the passengerS Were either go- people. This was the first time America was Under atack in such a manner. After learn ng someplace for a business meeting, melng fanly, going to a Va0aiop, and E gwhatbAppeneisit made me realize 9A1 aemerealze911 So forth. Some of the passengers were ot only ímpacted Ameriea, but tne rest-of E the world as Wel. maried or had children.

H/R UNBORNCHILD

Photo: Mahina Ansary

lamSophiaFilipino Cruz

lam Filipino. Both of my par ents were born in the Philippines, and had decided to come to Hawaii in hopes of a better future. Life in the Philippines was below average, with low wages, and the high costs of basic needs, it was a struggle to make ends meet. Growing up, Taga logwas the main language spoken at home, and at school, but English was a requirement, too. The Filipino culture is known for their unique traditions, language, and food.

Another tradition my family observes is "Semana Santa" or the Holy Week. During this week, our family abstains from eating meat and refrains from joyous celebrations. Every year, we visit nearby churches and at. tend the Good Friday mass, with the week ending at an Easter mass and celebration.

Traditions in the Filipinocul ture range from big festive celebra tions, to simple everyday acts of politeness to elders. At home, kiss ing the hand of aunts, uncles, and grandparents is known as asign of politeness,a symbolof recognizing seniority. For bigger traditions, town fiestas are held to commemorate the feast of a patron saint the town has adopted, with special dishes prepared for friends and family and, sometimes flamboyant parades take place.

To my knowledge, Iknow the Philip pines have over one hundred and seventy dialects, the main spoken language being Tagalog. At home, I must address my par ents with either"poor "opo" or sometimes "nanay" for mom, and "tatay"for dad. For older siblings, we use"ate"for older sister, and"kuya" for older brother.

Food is a big element in Filipino culture, with an average of six meals a day breakfast, lunch, dinner, merienda, and midday and afternoon snacks. Some com mon ingredients seen in Filipino cooking are garlic, onions, tomatoes, vinegar, and "patis"

An Adventure Sarah Kim

Dear Diary,

Since freshman year, almost every older person lencou ntered, warned me about how fast high school would go by. Yet, lchose to ignore them and live in the present. Now,l wish l oould go baok to my past.

lam now a senior andI am faced with countless important decisions that uwill impaot my life, forever.Evidently, one happens to be the career path lchoose after high sohool. If lremember correotly, Ithink Imade my final decision on my career about ten times throughout high school but, now, Ifeel confident in what l want to pursue, or at least | hope so.

It all began when Imoed to Hawai from California in Julus 2015.l originally

desired to beoome aveterinarian technician, because lloved animals and lwanted to be surou nded by them everyday. Then, Irealized lwasn't truly passionate about the job;Isolely had apassion for animals. Idid, hawever, have ahuge desire to become someone who impacted apositive change in the local and global commu nity ever since l became the president of Interact Club at my previous high school. Irnteract stands for international actin and the main goal is to raise money for distinct charities arou nd the world.

From then on, lalways stroue to make my commu nity abetter place. Then, Irealized loould tie in my passion with something lalso love daing, which is writing. Writing gies me the opportu nity to express my words on hidden topics or what l felt strongly about, whether positive or negative.

After establishing my life in Hawai and accustoming myself more to anew culture, lwas desperate for a job beoause Ineeded the money to raise for oollege. lapplied for eueryjobavaiable, but the onel got hired for was on the bottom of my list. Surprisingly, it ended up being ablessing in disguise. Iwas originally a host, but then lalso became a baker. lve always eocked as a hobby, but lnever wanted it to be a part of my eareer, beoause l knew what the struggles consisted of sinoe my mom cuned a restaurant business for 13

years. As abaker, houwever, lgained adifferent perspeotive on oooking and lloved it. Work

became something looked forward to every time lwas scheduled and time always went fast. My goal now is to become a food journalist who travels frequently. lwant to have my readers see the world through my eyes as ltravel across the globe and experience distinct oultures. lwant my writing to inspire readers to seek adventure as ldeseribe my passion about food and become open to trying new things.

Since lmoved to Hawai, lve become more open with people and learned to care less about what others think, promoting me to beoome bolder and to appreciate life even more. In the past eight months, l've done things Inever thought l would do because lused to be so timid and hesitant. Inow feel like thaven't seen enough in my ife and thus, Iseek adventure far beyond my oomfort zone. With that being said, Iwant to dooument everything see and encourage my readers to be in quest of the same exhilarating feeling. lwishleould go baok in my past and tellmyoelf what Itrulswanted to become, and then lwald have abetter plan for myself. Yet, all the things that leame aeross led me to my decision and, allalong, lwas in my oun adventure, the adventure of high school.

Photo: Luka Masuda

Photo: Luka Masuda

I'm Proud to be aTongan

Kaiala Walter

Being Tongan is hard and stressful. Growing up was a struggle. My siblings and Igrew up only seeing a single mother and we lived at a place called Kuhio Park Terrace, KPT, in Kalihi.While growing up in housing we were on welfare.My mother, Leni, taught us how to speak Tongan ever since we were in diapers. We were raised Tongan style. Being raised in a Tongan house could be very stressful and so strict.

Tongan is a culture which respects teachers, respect one another, and is so religious. Back home in Tonga, my mother would tellme old stories when she was raised back home. My mother would tellme how they lived and what they did everyday. In the morning, her brother and she would go to the farm at 5 AM to water the farm and they would head to school,return home and go straight back to the farm. Farm ing isthe most important part of Tongan culture. The island of Tonga is very poor, so farms would help the family eat. Only on Sunday, the only day out of the whole week, they ate a lot. Monday through Friday all they ate was plain food like only one piece of taro and plain cooked leaves or bread and water. In Hawaii, my family and Iwould go to my uncle's farm, all the way in Wahiawa and help him grow food so he can provide for the whole family. Providing food for the family is one of the most important part of being Tongan.

Goingchurch is a big deal. In the Tongan islands people are forced to go church. The most important day of the whole week is Sunday. Here in Hawaii, Iwas born and raised in a Tongan family so strict about church. If one of my sibling and I wake up late for church, we would get a slap. Our mother teaches us the importance of being a Tongan. Sunday is the best day which is holy and all the store and bars are allclosed. Not even one store is open. Goingtochurch as a Tongan means we wear over our waist a Ta'ovala, which is the women and men's clothing for church. We have been raised to go church every sunday which is our day to worship our heavenly father and his son, Jesus Christ. We were raised in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Being a Tongan, the 4th of July, is an important day for the king of Tonga. Everything in Tonga is closed. The people of the kingdom of Tonga would have to dress in Sunday best. They would meet at the king's house for many other events, like his birthday. This is my Tongan culture, stillpracticed here in Hawaii.

Ko'e kau Tonga ko'e me'a faingata'a ke fai. Na'e tupu hake oku fa'e na'e ngaahi au mo oku tuofefine mo oku

tuonga'ane olunga i he housing. Oku fae Keleni nae akonaki mau tolu ke le'a fakatonga emau kei iki. Nale tupu mau tolu ihe apifale Tonga o nae faingata'a aupito.

Koe kau Tonga nae faka' apaapa kihe faiako, pea nae faka'apapa ki he kakai kauto'a pe moe kau kakai kalaisi.ITon ga ko oku fa'e fa'a tala ki mautolu moau motua stories. Ene ikioku fa'e iTonga fa'a talamai i he fa'e oku nau fa nofo, moe me'aoku nau fai ihe aho kotoa pe. Ihe popongí koia moe ene tuonga'ane mo ia fa'a alukihe fa'ama ihe pongipongi kuata kihe fa. Oku fa aluo ngaue ihe fa'ama. Pea na'e alu o teuteu ihe ako o fa'a ha'u o osi ki he ako, oku hanga'tonu ki api o fetongipa na'e toe alu pe kihe fa'ama o fakosi ene ngaue. Koe fa'ama koe me'a mahuinga aupito ki he kau Tonga. Koe feitu'u a Tonga oku fu fakaofa aupito sio kihe katoa kakai oku fakaofa. Pea koe fa'ama oku aunga kihe oku famili. Oku aunga ka mautolu mo hoku famili ke mau kai. Koe uhinga koe kautonga oku fakaofa. Ihe sapate i he wike oku mau kai lahi. Koe monite ki he falaite oku nau kai meakai mama'a pa oku nautuku ae me'a faka ofaofa ki he sapate. Koe uhi ko sapate koe aho mahoinga ki mautolu. Iheni iHawaii ko oku famili mo auoku fa'aalu kihe fa'ama o alu ki Wahiwa o fa'a tokongi iai ke tupu ae me'akai ke kai oku kii famili. Koe kau Tonga oku fa'a oange ae koloa kihe oku famili, koe me'a mahoinga ki he kau Tonga.

Alu kihe lotu ihe sapata koe me'a mahuinga pe ie he kau Tonga. Koe mahu,inga ke mau alu kihe lotu ihe sapate iheni iHawai. Na'e fa'ele au moe tupu ihe kau Tonga famili oku mamafa ihe mautolu ke alu kihe lotu. Ihe mau fale oku tapu ke a tomui kihe lotu na'a ta mautolu mei hoku fa'e. Oku fa'e oku fa akonakii mau tolua'e me'a mahuinga ae kau Tonga. Ihe sapate koe aho maononi mo kalaisi iTonga oku nau fatapu e ava ae falekoloa moe me'a fainga falekoloa me'a pe oku tapuniaho sapate oku hake ava a me'a ihe sapate. Koe kau Fefine okunau fa tui kiekie pe'a moe kau tangata oku tui tauvala, oku asi nautolu ihe hu kihe falelotu, oku totonu a'e me'a oku nau tui. Pea ke nofo iitu'a hala pe ho tauvala moe kiekie o fanogo ki he faifekauitu'a ihe falelotu. Na'e tupu mautolu i he lotu Momonga.

Koe kau Tonga ihe July 4 koe aho ma'uhinga kihe in dom of Tonga. Koe me'a katoa pe iTonga oku tapuni. Koe kau kakai i Tonga oku nau fa'a teuteu ihe sapate oku fa teuteu fakaofa ke fe'ohi moe tui o sio kiene apiofai faita alu kihe me'a fakaofaofa ki ene aho fiefie.

Immigrant Long LiChen

Born and raised in China, I am just one boy out of many. I hád a good childhood early on, but little did Iknow that would soon change. I was seven when my mother left me, left with no explanation and no time to understand what was going on. Ihad grown to hate her. She called my grandmother many tim s that year she left and always asked for me, but Iwould leave the room every time. A year later, my father left to join my. mother in Hawaii and I had to live with my grandpar ents. Eventually, my mother was granted American citi zenship and wishèd for the whole family to live with her in Hawaii, so of we went.

When we arrived in H¡waii, I remember feeling a discrepancy betwen the ush paradise Thad always thought Hawaiito be and what my first impression of it was. My mother came to greet me at thÇgate. Iwas careful not to show any emotions. My father grabbed the luggage and stowed them away in the car trunk.

As my father was doing that, my mother said, "Long, I havèn't seen you for a' long time. Did you miss me?"

"No. You left me in China!" I suddenly yelled, my emotions betraying me.

At this, my father came around and explained, "Long, you must understand. China has, a One Child Policy. This means each family may only have as a means of popülation control. If we were to have a eone child

second child, we would have to pay a humongous fine.

money back then, so we romother people to keep mother left Hawaii to work so we could pay them backAfter hearing why mother had done so much for mé, Iimmediately felt sorry for alltheungrateful things I had done.;

But we did not have alot of ended up having to börrow you and your siblings. Your ther. "Why didn't you tell me before?" I asked my fa

"We didn't tell you before because your mother felt a_hamed.

I could not sleep that night. After a while, Igot out of bed and stepped outside to gaze at the stars. I can still remember how the stars were shining so brightly that first night. My mother found me outsid: and looked.at me for a while before turning to gaze a the stars too.

"Long, do you miss China?"

"No mom. Youre already doing so much for me Why can't Ido something for you in return?" I replie turning my head, finally able to get a good look at he Her head turned to stare at me and then I noticed th tears in her eyes. That wasthe frst time I ever saw m mother cry.

Growing up in Haw¡ii turned out to be ex tremely different than ifI had stayed in China, Hawa is carefree and and time seems to slow down here and have grown to like living on this island, but China, m' birthplace, will forever stay in my heart.

Iam Chuukese Odran Reyes

A land of many people, where legends are brought to lifewithin lush green forests and mystifying blue wa. ters. Aplace where good magic flows and bad magic lurks on the island's edges. A place both rich with culture, but poor of money. Aplace Ican call home is the Island of Chuuk. Both of my parents are Chuukese, but they moved from Chuuk toGuam for the better opportunities. lgrew up in aChuukese home with American influences and >dsay the language, cultural arena, and values are what separates Chuukese from other cultures.

The Chuukese language is quite unique. Different dialects spring from different islands and words used spe cifically for one gender will pop up ev ery nowW and again. The tone can often change when talking and so, one could say many factors go into the language. Those who are trying to learn it will have a difficult time at first. But when heard, you'll see we are people who live to laugh and talk.

Acultural arena is the place where the culture resides among the sur roundings. The cultural arena of Chuuk would be the ocean, the forests, and pretty much anything dealing with na ture. In the old times, grasses and trees were used to build huts.

Even now, the Chuukese people stillget their fish from the ocean, and fruits, like breadfruit and coconuts, from their forests. Use of the "cultural arena" shows the Chuukese people are resOurceful able andto work with what they have.

The Chuukese culture is identi fied by the values instilled in the cul ture. The Chuukese culture features many values. One, for example, is re spect. Respect is extremely important and always given to each other. The little ones must respect their elders, and women and children should al ways respect men. Religion is another. Although the Chuukese have many religions religion is what brings them together. Many Chuukese will go to church each and every Sunday. Most are willing to devote a lot of time to their church. Family is also highly val ued. The Chuukese family is known to stay together for as long as possible. Don't be discouraged when you hear Chuukese. We know of the ste reotypes attached to Chuukese culture but, like other cultures, the language, values, and cultural arena make up the culture. These little things make up the Chuukese culture and define me. Iam who lam, and Iam Chuukese.

Art: Se Yeon Choi

Japanese Persian Culture Mahina Ansary

One Japanese tradition here, in Hawaii, is having boys' day F#OE and girls' day UN. Girls' day is on March 3rd, and boys day is on May 5th. On these dayS, parent re ward their children with candy, toys, or money. Another Japanese culture is shichigosan th=. Shichigosan is a Japanese event when seven-, five-, and three-year-olds visit shrines to celebrate their healthygrowth and give their thanks. Girls are supposed to wear kimonos

, while boys wear hakamas . Another Japanese belief is if a person lies, a devil comes to cut off his or her tongue. Japanese also thought a rabbit lived in the moon and made mochi during the day.

One Persian tradition is when a woman gets married, her mother-in-law gives the bride her own jewelry. When a rich married couple has a baby boy, they kill a cow. If a poor mar ried couple has a boy, they kill a sheep.

Persian religious views consider pigs as dirty because they are always in the mud play ing or eating. Another religious belief is, during Ramadan, fasting and abstinence is practiced. Eating is allowed once the sun sets. Another be lief is when a person eats a pig, their body is then considered dirty and unclean.

Persian foods use many varieties of spices such as coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and cum in. One dish Ipersonally love is bonjon. Bonjon is sliced eggplant with garlic, tomato sauce, on ion, plain yogurt, and different spices. This dish is somewhat healthy because it is baked. An other Persian dish is lamb kabobs. My dad uses chopped lamb, salt, pepper, and spices. Then, he grills the seasoned lamb.

For Japanese, one delicious Japanese dish is tonkatsu 5,deep fried pork served on a bed of cabbage. Another Japanese dish is yaki tori chicken , marinated chicken grilled on a stick,

Iam truly Japanese and Persian. I feel very unique because not many have the same eth nicities as me. I considered myself more on the Japanese side because I am more involved with Japanese culture than Persian culture, but both of these cultures make mne who I am.

The Concussion Ezekiel Samuelu

It was on a Saturday at Leilehua gym and me, a tenth grader, had to wrestle varsity 285 weight class. My opponent was a kid from Aiea, he got behind me and picked me up over his head and slammed me on the mat. Immediately, I blacked out. When I woke up, all lsaw was a bunch of people looking at me on the ground. They immediately put me in the ambulance and took me to the hosoital. had problems to face while I had my conCUssion, like memory loss, headaches, and | could not do any physical activity until lgot cleared.

The first problem was I had memory loss. During that time Igot slammed, Iwoke upand Icould not remember what Iwas doing on the ground. My neck was pretty sore and Thad aneck brace wrapped around my neck. When I went back to school, it was hard for me to do work, especially because I did not know what was going on most of the time. So, the doctors told me to stay home for a week torest my head until lfelt like everything was better.

The next problem l had was headaches. After Igot out of the hospital, I was getting headaches left and right. The doctors told me this was one of the effects of having aconCussion. The doctors gave me medicine to help me from getting headaches. I went to school for one day and it was hard to concentrate.

Iwas told, resting my brain would make me have less headaches, so Istayed home resting for aweek. After aweek and ahalf, the headaches were going away, slowly, and I was feeling a lot better.

The last problem Ifaced was not being al lowed to participate in any activities at school. I had to take a concussion test whenlwent back to school at the trainer's room and they said Idid wll at some of the things and bad on others. I had to go to the trainer's everyday so they could check on how Iwas doing since Iwent back tothe school. The trainers told me I could not do any sports without being cleared from both the doc tors and them. I had to do acouple of exercises before lcould be cleared. Finally, Idid everything they toldme to and Ihad to take another concus sion test. l did better.

After my concussion was cleared, Ifinal ly got to do the things Iwas not able to do. My headaches were gone and got my memory back. Iwent back to doing all my physical activities. I went from playing volleyballto lifting weights. I was so happy when everything was cleared. After this incident, coach told me to take judo because they teach how to land correctly so I would not get injured. My mom and dad told me not to join because they thought Icould get injured again. This is my story about my concussion.

Photo: Aaron Abella

FCTION

Photo: BAbrew

Onc day, lale in the aflernoon, Iwent outside to scrounge for food in the dark. gloomy forest, populated with nothing but the leftover litter of the government's "law en forcers" and guards. As Iwalked through the forest, I found little remains of cigars with no success of finding food. As the sky grew dark er, so seemed the chance of cating. Isearched tirelessly throughout the forest, intoxicated with fumes emitted earlier in the day. I came back home late and empty handed. "This is hopeless," I said to myself. *WHAT IS THERE TO RULE WHEN ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE IS DEAD?!" Ishouted towards the black sky, frustrated with how cruel the damn government can be. "Iswear by the gods, I will put an end to this injustice!"

As Iwalked towards home, alone, I sensed something abnormal in the air, like the very moment the government first came into rule and robbed us of our lives. I soon came to realize this certain something in the air wasn't abnormal; it was the scent of our land. How could I ever forget the alluring scent equiva lent to the scent of mimosa tree mixed with grapefruit? It seemed like the scent was com ing from the river. Immediately, I ran to the river as fast as Icould, for eagerness overtook me from being precautious; I was completely caught off guard. "What the hell?" I said, bewildered, for what Ifound in the river was a floating, bright, yellow, orb-like, life-form whose reflection was seen as a yellow speck. The glowing orb illuminated the lifeless ter rain, brimmed with life force and energy. This "thing" was powerful, powerful enough to muddle my senses and lured me all the way there. Even when considering the situation as a trap, I still continued to walk towards the orb, which was floating close. I was about one meter away from the orb when I paused. When Ipaused, I stared lifelessly at the orb, whatever it" was. The light radiating from the orb was blindingly bright. The light then grew dimmer and dimmer until, in a blink of an eye, the orb-like creature darted at my face with blinding speed.

Indistinctivcly, I raiscd my hand to block my facc. The orb-likecrcaturc camc in contact with my skin. It was a plcasant sensation at first, warm and soft.. Then, a sudden pain roared upon my skin. The pain felt like ahot branding iron being presscd against my skin. As the pain continued to grow, Icouldn't bcar it anymore. I used my free hand to smack the tiny light bulbs out of the creature, and the creature flew into the air. Luckily, the little creature flew a good distance before it dropped to the ground and exploded into a million sparkling pieces. It was a dazzling sight. The aftermath of the explosion came a large, golden sword, shining brilliantly in the night, a swordso fine it looked as if it was once owned by a legendary swordsmen whose adventures were inscribed as a legend. I held up the beautiful sword into the sky. Urugly, Inamed it, for to this blade's eye no one else is as beauti ful as it, for weare ugly".

From that day on, I slayed multitude of the government's minion secretly, those who undertake schemes against the people of Babble ton at late hours. I don't know what brought upon this urge to go against all my consensus with myself and my family, but whatever it was, Iam truly grateful, for it gave the motivation to op pose the authority, the one I swore to bring down. Maybe, it's the sword, but killing the govern ment's minions will not do. I must go beyond, for my family was still out of money and still out of food. For now, Ishouldtake some of what they stole from us. Then, Ifelt a sudden pang in my hand. "URGH." Icouldn't keep in the pain and it did not help, the pain kept growing, like a thorn sprouting within the interior of my hand. The pain stayed until Ireached home.

"Welcome home, my son." My mom said cheerly trying to mask the sadness in her tone. "Where's Dad?" I asked.

"He's upstairs sleeping. Don't wake him."

Everyday it was that, some small talk around the house and the rest silence with absolutely nothing to listen to. Nobirds chirping outside, no howling of the wind on tree outside and, most disturbing of all, no kids playing outside of our ragged, wooden house.. To

he Uhfotgettable

KING, RING, RING, Ipicked up and a blunt. loudman said, "BONJOUR, MAGNIFIQUE PERSONNE. HARRISON EST CARRINGTON LA?"

"Um, sorry, Ido not speak French." AHAH.AH THAT IS OKAY."

"I would like to know who this is." Confused and curious of why this man called, I stayed on the phone.

"My name's Giles Hawthorne. I am from Paris. France to ask you for help. You archeolo gist, right?"" Said the man with a thick French accent. Oui."

My name is François Emerson. I own very beautiful museum, and Ioffer you a lot of money to find a certain artifact"

"And what is that?"

"A beautiful gem called the 'Bulgarian Rose. Idon't do anything unless it has a price, so Iasked what would Iget out of this.

*Well, when one being has the rose, they're granted a beautiful life. If you find it, Iwill pay you billions and billions of... what you British call money.3

My eyes lit up, and my mind was able to accept anything. I replied, Yes! I'll take it!"

Great! we'llget you on a flight to Paris, France very soon. But Imust ask, are you sure you want to do this? This is a very dangerous task."

Ive been in deadlier things. I'll pack up."

Ihung up and jumped around the living room. Excited that Iwas going to Paris, Iimmedi

Three days later.

Outside of my apartment complex, I waited for my cab to go to Paris for the special task, a multiple number of suitcases. I expected some generic black old-looking car, but what drove up mydriveway to pick me up, was an exquisite Lincoln Continental. Aperson wearing ablack tu having amedium build with sunglasses came out of the driver's seat and popped the trunk opei

"Bonjour, Mr. Carrington. I'l be your escort to France, so you can get to Paris safely," s the mysterious man. Before Icould say anything, my "escort" took my luggage and just went

"Yes you do that. Have a great day, Mr. Carrington." the car.

Ithrew myself in the backseat and just waited. During the drive to the airport. there wa n0 talk between the driver andI, just awkward silence. Arriving at the airport, the escort didn't )t0 the usual drop off where everybody at the airport goes. He took a special road leading us to tl hangars. Confused, I asked what was happening. The escort said, "We have a private jet. Andj an E.Y.J.,you're going to be working the day after you arrive, so, "be prepared"

SunMellaukong Liang

My name is SunWukong, the great Mon vey King of the Ming Dynasty. Iwalk uprightjust like ahuman and almost look like one, except that every squareinch of my body is covered by soft, densefur but for my heart-shaped face. Born out of a large boulder, the Small, golden-brown furred Creaturethat was me had nowhere to go and W2s an orphan.Shunned by most human beings and emotionally broken, Iwent to a philosophical school fullof young kids to seek guidance and shelter. At first, the white-bearded master was not willing to accept me because Iwas different from the others and not fully human, but as time passed on. Ishowed them what my true value was worth. Diligence and hard work earned me respect from peers and the master. Ifinlly obtained appren ticeship from the old master to learn my dream martial art, It was a mixture of philosophy, poetic chanting and memorization of the moves, and pure physical training that churned me into what | am today.

Within several years, I became an elite kung-fu master. My signature packet of moves was called tt-, which means seventy-two transformations. Though that is the name, it is a misnomer. lam not bluffing when l'say Ican trans form into more than seventy-two different animals, people, or objects; invisibility, the strength to crack open mountains, the capacity to drink up awhole lake, etc. You name it, I do it. My mostprized pos session was a solid golden stick called ty

. Itis my main fighting weapon; it can shrink to fit behind my ear and enlarge when Ineed it.

ladmit there are powers greater than mine in the Heavens, which was a government for the mystical legends and human beings alike. Unfortunately, my arogant younger self did not think so. Living in the wild as the alpha male among smaller monkeys in 6R (Mount Huaguo; Flowers and Fruits Moun tain), Ihad suddenly gotten the idea of charging into the Heavenly Court to challenge the so-called greater powers.

dswooped right into the Heavenly Court on my nimbus cloud. The occupants looked at me in surprise. Swiping out the golden bar out from behind my ear, it automatically grew to its original S0ze. Ibegan turning the bar with my right hand and then switching to my left, creating a huge fan that powered the winds against my rivals' tangly beards. Jumping and landingstraight down with the heavy bar several times, linjured many men. By transforming into two of me, one which is not solid, I escaped many crippling attacks. At long last, a man with three eyes tugged my bar from my grip with awhip, anda woman bind me with her enchanted ropes. The Emperor of the Heavenly Court ordered me to a lifetime sentence of imprisonment. Alarge mountain was lifted, and Iwas placed under it, grieving there for what seemed like eternity, seeking revenge..

To be continued onmhslitmag.weebly.com

Gina Le

Art:

"Haru, you need to get off your phone, now!" my mom shouted at me, as checked my Facebook app. You know those parents who constantly yelljust get off your electronics and go outside. My mom constantly tells me to gel ol"y phone and do somethingproductive for achange.

"Fine", Ireplied, as Istored my phone in my pocket and stepped outside. really don't have a sense of direction as to where to go and what time Iwould stroll around and come back home, but my mom doesn't mind me strolling somewhere, as long as Iget back home before eight o'clock, since that's my curtew.

So I was strolling one day with my phone, casually checking my social media, when Igot a notification from my phone. It was supposedly a friend notification from my Facebook, which had no name and no profile picture."Well, this is weird..."Ithought to myself, as l declined he friend request. I continuedstrolling along the harbor near the mall, when my phone vibrated again. This time, Ichecked my Instagram to find the same blank name and blank profile picture who wanted to friend me. Suddenly, Iheard weird noises that sounded like someone was whisperinginto my ear. Ilooked back quickly, but there wasn't anyone there. I ignored it, and, again,declined the friend request on Instagram. Ithen turned off my notifications for, Facebook and Instagram, just in case if the strange person was going to friend request me again. Ithen continued strolling along some department stores and minding my own business.

By the time lwas walking back towards the mall, it was 7:29 PM when Ichecked my phone. "Well, time to head home, Ithought to myself, as Iwalked the trail that leads to nmy home. While Iwas walking home, Ifelt a vibration in my pocket. Iglanced at my phone to check if it was my mom texting me. Turns out, it was anotification from Facebook I got a friend request from the same person who requested me. Iwas getting a really eerie vibe, because l knew for sure I turned off the notifications from my social media, yet there was a notification from Facebook. Afewseconds afterwards, Iget another notification and it's the same person askingto friend them on Instagram. Ithen decided to accept their friend request, waiting for something to happen like a bombardment of messages,I accepted both friend requests on Facebook and Instagram, and continued waking towards home.

When I wasreaching afew blocks from home, I got a notification from Facebook again, and a post was tagged with me on it.| looked in Facebook, and found a post from the blank user saying, "look in you instagram" Confused, Ilooked|in my Instagram and went to the profile of the same blank user. My eyes opened wide, as ked at the first photo of the user. The post showed a picture I took yesterday, and behind my portrait 2s atranslucent igure. It was a tall hgure with a white dress. and the dress was stained with what looked like blue paint. lwas getting cold chills behind my back, and Istarted dashing towards home. Imade it home, and my mom had dinner prepared for me. Iwalked towards the dining table and I looked at the steaming hamburger steak left for me. My mom was in the living room watching TV at the time, so lwent tothe kitchen and prepared my dinner.I sat down and ate dinner. While Iwas eating, Ichecked out my social media again and looked at the second posted picture. This time, it shows a pictureof me running into my house and the apparition again standing right next to where I was. almost dropped my hamburger steak while Iwas eating, and Iquietly walked towards the hallway to the en trance. When Ttook astep into the hallway, the same whispers I heard while I was strolling was back. |backed out and sat back down eating my dinner. Itried to ignore the whispers, but they were get ting louder and louder, as I was finishing up my last hamburger steak. Ifrantically got up, and placed

my plate in the sink, and veered to the stairs to where my bedroom was and Iclosed the door.

When Isettled down, the whispering was gone and Ifelt safer than ever. More importantly, there were no notifications coming from my phone anymore. Ilay down and tried to forget about everything that happened. Istared at my phone and saw 9:23 PM. Suddenly, Ihearda few knocks coming from my door.

"Haru, are you okay? Did you want me to come in and you tellme what's wrong?" lheard my mom from the opposite side. Iquickly ran towards the door and twisted the knob. But then, Inoticed something wrong about my mom's voiçe. It sounded unusually different from my mom's tone and something about that was off.

"Haru? Will you open the door?"I heard what seemed like mom's voice.

Iquickly released my hand from the knob and locked the door. Suddenly, my phone started to go off like crazy. Isaw pictures of a white square with blue liquid stains on it."Let me in, Haru... Let me in"lheard the voice again, but it sounded much deeper this time. I looked behind me to find the same figure. from the photo outside my window, standing completely still."Mom! Mom! Help!"I frantically screamed, as lcrouched and tucked my head in. The knocks on my door got louder, and the whispers in my ear also got louder. Icontinued screaming for help, when Ifelt cold hands touching my body.

"Haru! Haru,get up!!"Theard my mother shout at me.I looked up to find out the whisperings had stopped, andmy mom was behind me with a worried look on her face."Mom!"Ishouted as Ihugged her close to me. Ifelt so relieved to see my mom. We went downstairs to the dining table again and my mom was going to prepare adessert for me. Isat on the table while scrolling through my phone."Beep, boop, boop beep"Iheard my phone go off... a Facebook notification, and it was mom who posted something to me. Ilooked at the post and saw,"Look up, Haru" Ilooked up to find a plate in front of me, with mom's head and blue liguid flowing from her hair. Islowly looked behind me to find the woman with the blue stained dress, who said,

"Haru, you should get off your phone, now.."

THE BELL IRENE TANAKA

The pigs were disappearing, and strange tracks had been found near all the pens of the farm. Ushida didn't know what to make of it. Why hadn't his dogs alerted him when amarauding animal came near the livestock? He went to ask the other farmers in Kalihi Valley for help. "I'm go ing trap 'um, this thing! Going dig one pit, cover 'um, kill it! Can come try help me?"

Ushida went home after the meet ing and told his wife, Hatsuko,"Lock all the doors andwindows, stay inside. Me and the boys going hunting.

Hatsuko agreed, but looked at him worriedly,their two young daughters clutching at her skirt. "Daddy, you going be okay?" Asked Ushida's daughter Suzu, com ing to him for a hug. The little bell bracelet he had made for her softly tinkled-- coron Coron on her wrist.

Ushida kissed the top of her head, smell ing the sweet baby-smell. "Yes, honey. You go sleep. Listen mommy, Daddy and the boys going find out what's taking our pigs."

Suzu nodded, her big eyes shining. "Good night, Daddy. Ilove you."

Sudden movement by the patch of kiawe trees near the kitchen caught everyone's attention. Alarge, sinewy,sleek form slinked intosight. followed by two smaller forms. An unearthly trio wove in and out of the shadows, and was finaly illuminated by moonlight.

The moongave plenty of light to Ushida and the other farmers as they lay in wait near the pit they had dug. The area was baited with large slabs of pork and some chicken; the air was pungent with blood-smell. All of Ushida's livestock was housed in their barn tonight, so whatever creature taking them would have to come to this meat if it was hungry.

There, to the amazement of Ushida al the others, were three gigantic cats the size of human beings- obake-neko! The large one was obviously an adult, the two smaller ones offspring? Ushida felt repulsed by the unnatu ral sight. So...these are the demons taking o livestock! Come, come closer... that's it...the two smaller creatures, oblivious to their sur roundings, were romping closer and closer to the pit.They realized their mistake too late, and wailed-- like ittle girls as they tumbled in, followed by the adult,who was iust a mo ment t00 late to save them.

Guns raised, the farmers Surrounded the pit. There, looking up at them with glowing)yellow-green eyes was a trio of smoke-grey obake-neko, cats the size of human beings. The hNO little ones trembled and whimpered as the large one covered them with her body the best che could, baring her teeth, growling and hiss ing viciously atthe men who wanted to hurt her children. Then, Ushida heard another sound. coft. underneath the commotion-- Coron coron... coron-coron. Squinting in disbelief, he crouched down, and saw, tied around the paw of one of the smaller beasts, the same bell bracelet he had made for Suzu. No. No no no..cannot be! But what if... "GuyS, gohome, Igoing take care this. They on my land, this my kill." Reluctantly, muttering protestations, the other farmers left, leaving Ushida with the other worldly creatures. Letting down a ladder, Ushida watched as the three crept out, and stood there staring sadly at him. Design:

"Go...all of you, just go. Don't come back. Never come back, or lgoing have to shoot you. Suzu, be good to your mommy. Go...just...go." The tears began to well up in Ushida's eyes, blurring his vision as the largest cat and one of the smaller ones slowly crept away, pausing now and then to look back at him. Suzu lingered and came up to him, pausing at histrousers. Ushida dropped his hunting rifle, and knelt in the cold, dewy grass to hug his obake-neko daughter and smell her sweet baby-smell one last time.

Suzu mewed her last words to her fa ther. "Good bye, Daddy...I love you." Coron Coron...Coron-coron...

Waltz Of The Tizers

Andante (76-90)

Compesed by Isaia abey

Art: Gina Le

MH^Lit Mag Contributors Word Search

Andy Huang..

Lian Huang....

Haruki Kohara......

Sarah Kim....

Cara Lee...

Gina Le (Xinh Li Le).

Luka Masuda....

Megan Tana...

.Graphic Designer ....E.ditor-in-Chief

.Website Designer ...Proof-Reader/Editor ..Editor/CopyEditor Artist ....Layout Editor ....Proof-Reader/Editor

Ms. Barbara Hotta Abrew .. ...Advisor

Aoknowledgements

Art

Se Yeon Choi

Daechol Kim

Chirisha Kofot

Gina Le

Luis Pascua

Photos

Aaron Abella

B.Abrew

Lance Aguinaldo

Mahina Ansary

David Garcia

Jacky Hua-Vo

Joseph Jenks

Luka Masuda

Isaac Santos

Leslie Vu

Writing

Mahina Ansary

Long Li Chen

Kevin Doan

Tara Hong

Sarah Kim

Jackie Lam

Mella Liang

Zijun Liu

Luka Masuda

Scott Nguyen

Seungjun Park

Odran Reyes

Isaiah Sabey

Ezekiel Samuelu

Irene Tanaka

UlulaniVillalobos

Kaiala Walter

Cheng Jie Wu

Siecial Janks

Senbei Abrew

Todd Okazaki

Eren Padilla

Lynn Remata

Jason Seto

Irene Tanaka

Parting Nors

Cian Huang: "I'm still alive...."

Sarah Kim: Want Boba?"

Megan Tana: ´I thought we had 6weeks tofinish this.

Gina Le: "Bad life choices"

Luka Masuda: "Why am I devoting my lfe to this?"

Andy Huang: "You didn't sign up for this! So start working!!"

Cara Lee: "I came here for saimin, and stayed for the pizza."

Haruki Kohara: "GG"

Others:

"You gottago dothis! And that!"

"I've been waiting outside for 30 minutes.. and she still isn'z here.

"Go slave.

"We owea lot of saimin.

"Can I go home now?"

"Not that I roll that way, but $20 is $20"

"This takes solong to proofread!"

"Tedited 8 papers today. I deserve a cookie.

"We're aluways one step behind from being finished..

Photo: Bob De Shields

Advisor's Note

What Iobserved, thisyear, was how most of the communication and work involved devices for transference, transporting, translating alldone digitally, the best way, the fastest, most effecient way to communicate, re produce, finalize. Scanning, importing to mhslitmag125@gmail.com is where entries may besubmitted. URL, complete with a home page is mhslitmag.weebly.com. Here, stories "to be continued", too lengthy to include in the magazine and, as a means of enticement to have readers read on, can be found. Truly, these students ac complished the work just as professionals, if not better.

Inan educational setting, teachers teach and students learn. In a true educational environment, teachers teach, students learn, teachers learn from students, and students learn from students.

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- Advisor, Barbara Hotta Abrew